14/06/2026
Understanding the Hidden Weight of Debt on Mental Health
On Friday afternoon, I took time to review one of our case files: records of individuals who have bravely come forward seeking help due to financial distress. These are men and women burdened by debt (Ngongole) and informal or high-interest loans, often known as loan shark arrangements (Katapila). Some have also been deceived by scammers and are now being asked to repay money they no longer have.
After carefully compiling the figures, the total outstanding amount stands at MK103,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Three Million Malawi Kwacha). This is not just a number, it represents sleepless nights, loss of peace, broken relationships and in some cases, lives pushed to the edge
Financial pressure, especially from unregulated lending systems, is becoming a silent driver of stress, anxiety, depression and even su***de.
At Tibe Khonde Mental Health, we are committed to walking alongside individuals facing such challenges. However, this reality also brings us face to face with a difficult truth: the need is overwhelming and our resources are limited.
Every person who comes to us carries a story that is urgent, heavy and deeply personal.
We understand that some people who come to us and leave without financial assistance may feel disappointed or think that we do not help. Others may not want to fully explore the root of their problem and instead focus only on receiving money.
We do help and we will continue to help within our capacity. Our approach is guided by sustainability and responsibility. If we stretch beyond what we can't manage, we risk collapsing the very support system that many people depend on.
In trying to help everyone at once, we may end up unable to help anyone at all including ourselves.
Nkhondo ya welesiki😢
Tibe Khonde Mental Health
+265 999 595 906
+265 888 900 486
[email protected]